Pakistan became the final team to qualify for the ICC World Twenty20 Super Eights with an eight-wicket win over Bangladesh in the last Group D match at Pallekele.

Pakistan could have been defeated by up to 35 runs and still have made it through to the next stage at the expense of their opponents. But there must have been some concern when Bangladesh piled up 175 for six, leaving Pakistan to make a minimum of 140 to progress on run rate.

As it was, Imran Nazir (72) made a nonsense of any concerns, with the fastest half-century of the tournament – from just 25 balls.

Bangladesh, without a win against Pakistan in any format since 1999, appeared to have been given a chance by Shakib Al Hasan's boundary-laden 84.

But on a batsman's pitch, their defence of what was a useful total began badly as Abul Hasan put Nazir down at mid-on off Shafiul Islam when the opener had just one run to his name. It proved to be an especially costly missed chance as Nazir went on to plunder nine fours and three sixes.

Pakistan's captain, Mohammad Hafeez, batted in his first-wicket partner's slipstream in a stand of 124, before both fell in the same over from Hasan. Pakistan nonetheless completed their task with eight balls to spare.